"follower of Dionysus"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Dennis
Pronunciation: [ d-EHN-ihs ]
Boy Name
#708 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A saint's name that ruled mid-century America
English
French
German
Irish
Classic
Vintage
Traditional
Strong
Minimalist
Meaning & Origin
"of Dionysos, god of wine"
Origin: Latin via Greek
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Dennis the Menace association gives the name a mischievous, juvenile reputation in both US and UK versions
The Story of Dennis
Dennis derives from the medieval French Denys and Latin Dionysius, which traces back to the Greek god Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and theater. The name was borne by Saint Denis (Dionysius) of Paris, the first Bishop of Paris and patron saint of France, who was martyred around 250 AD. The name spread throughout medieval Europe through veneration of this saint.
Dennis was enormously popular in mid-20th century America, ranking in the top 20 boys names from the 1940s through the 1960s. Its decline began in the 1970s and has continued steadily. The Dennis the Menace comics (1951) created a lovable but troublemaking image that both boosted and complicated the name's legacy.
Saint Denis is the patron saint of France and his basilica near Paris is the burial place of French royalty. The name was embraced throughout medieval Christendom. In 20th-century America Dennis became associated with the postwar boom generation, carrying a wholesome, working-class dignity. In Britain the name is similarly connected to the mid-century generation.
Fun Facts
- Saint Denis of Paris is venerated as the first Bishop of Paris and patron saint of France, martyred around 250 AD
- Dennis the Menace appeared simultaneously in the US and UK on March 12, 1951, as two completely independent comic strip creations
- Dennis Nilsen, Dennis Rodman, and Dennis Hopper show the name's range from notoriety to athleticism to artistic rebellion
Dennis in Other Languages
French
Denis
German
Denis
Italian
Dionigi
Spanish
Dionisio
Portuguese
Dinis
Famous People Named Dennis
D
Dennis Rodman
Athlete
1961
American NBA basketball star known for his extraordinary rebounding and flamboyant personality with the Chicago Bulls
D
Dennis Hopper
Actor
1936
American actor and director known for Easy Rider and Blue Velvet, an icon of counterculture cinema
D
Dennis the Menace Fictional
Other
Mischievous young boy protagonist of the long-running American comic strip by Hank Ketcham (1951)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #708
- Total SSA Count
- 376
- Cultural Origins
- English French German Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Denny
Den
Pairs Well With
Dennis James
Dennis Michael
Dennis Paul
Dennis Lee
Dennis Ray
Dennis Alan
Dennis Patrick
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Dennis is also used as a girl name, ranked #69703.
View Dennis as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dennis
What does the name Dennis mean?
"follower of Dionysus" (from Greek). "of Dionysos, god of wine" (from Latin via Greek). Dennis derives from the medieval French Denys and Latin Dionysius, which traces back to the Greek god Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and theater. The name was borne by Saint Denis (Dionysius) of Paris, the first Bishop of Paris and patron saint of France, who was martyred around 250 AD. The name spread throughout medieval Europe through veneration of this saint.
What is the origin of the name Dennis?
Dennis has Greek, Latin via Greek, English, French, German, and Irish origins. In Greek, it means "follower of Dionysus". In Latin via Greek, it means "of Dionysos, god of wine".
Is Dennis a boy or girl name?
Dennis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #708. As a girl name, it is ranked #69703. Dennis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dennis?
Dennis is pronounced d-EHN-ihs.
How popular is the name Dennis?
Dennis is currently ranked #708 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dennis?
Common nicknames for Dennis include Denny and Den.
What are good middle names for Dennis?
Popular middle name pairings include Dennis James, Dennis Michael, Dennis Paul, Dennis Lee, Dennis Ray, Dennis Alan, and Dennis Patrick.
What are good sibling names for Dennis?
Names that pair well with Dennis as siblings include Kevin, Patrick, Karen, Sharon, Gary, Linda, and Ronald.
How many syllables does Dennis have?
Dennis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dennis a common or rare name?
Dennis is moderately common, ranked #708 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Dennis
Dennis is a boy name with English, French, German, and Irish origins . The name means "follower of Dionysus" in Greek .
Is Dennis a boy or girl name? Dennis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #708 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #69,703. Dennis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dennis is currently ranked #708 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dennis has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHN-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dennis include Denny and Den. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dennis include Denny . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.